James Lovell to Abigail Adams

[dateline] March 1st. 1781

[In my last I told] you that the Case [which was brought] to my Lodgings for your Benefit did not appear full according to the common Mode
of Packing for a Voyage. I ought to have endeavored to give you a Kind of Invoice
of its Contents. I had not Time. It will now perhaps enable you to decide whether
there have been Filchings if I give you only the following Sketch.

For Mrs. Adams

18 Ells of Diaper at 10

some Persian & Gauze

Gloves & a Band Box with a number of small Articles Fans Ribbons Lace Ferrets

What made me most apprehend Roguery is finding no Cambrick for yourself. However,
there was such a general Slovenlyness in the Packing, that there is Room to hope the
Vacancy is no Proof of Loss.

[The Articles of Confederation] have been signed by [the delegates of Maryland] this day, which will have a good Effect in Europe if not in America.1—But it is needless to enlarge on this or any other Topic of Intelligence as the Opportunity
by Doctr. Winship will be slower than the Post. Perhaps I shall send you some little
Articles, at least the Band Box, or the Tea Box.

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “Mrs. A Adams Braintree near Boston”; endorsed: “March 1. 81.” MS has a large hole near the top of all four pages. Conjectural readings have been supplied
for the resulting gaps in the text.